by Matt Abbott

As Pat Buchanan proclaimed from the floor of the 1992 Republican National Convention, there can be no doubt that we are in the midst of a culture war — a war over faith and morality.

It is a war that has been raging since the onset of the Sexual Revolution (whose precursor was the so-called Enlightenment) and has shown no sign of slowing down. It is a war between those who embrace God's law, and those who don't; between those who believe in objective truth, and those who have fallen prey to nihilism and moral relativism; between those who seek to control their passions, and those who are completely enslaved by their passions; in short, between the 'good' and the 'evil.'

As I see it, the three most prominent 'battles' in this cultural/spiritual conflict are: abortion, contraception, and homosexuality.

The fierce battle over abortion has been going on ever since the infamous Roe v. Wade decision in 1973, which, along with the Doe v. Bolton decision, legalized the killing of pre-born children up to the moment of birth. It is a case of the 'good' (those who respect the sanctity of life from the moment of conception until natural death) versus the 'evil' (those who advocate the murder of pre-born children under the guise of 'reproductive freedom' and 'choice').

Contraception is viewed by some as strictly a Catholic issue. But virtually all Christian denominations condemned contraception until 1930, when the Anglican Church reversed its previously held position on the matter. Bowing to the zeitgeist, other denominations soon followed.

In 1968, Pope Paul VI issued the encyclical Humanae Vitae (On Human Life), which affirmed the Catholic Church's constant teaching that contraception is gravely immoral, and also warned of the dangerous social ramifications it would have on society. It is indeed a shame that so many people, especially a majority of Catholics, do not seem to realize how the widespread availability and use of contraception has essentially ruined the moral fiber of our society.

Yet there is a vital factor that cannot be overlooked. The anti-life, anti-family propaganda pumped out by evil organizations like Planned Parenthood has been a driving force behind the 'contraceptive mentality' in our culture. In fact, PP continues to promote the absurd notion that more contraception will lead to fewer unwanted pregnancies and thus fewer abortions.

It is another case of the 'good' (those who recognize the intrinsic evil of contraception and who do not practice and/or promote it) versus the 'evil' (those who do practice and/or promote contraception, without repentance).

The promotion of homosexuality, and the homosexual network, has become most frightening in recent years, both inside and outside the Church. In addition to the proverbial nutty activists, we can thank the Godless media for shifting the terms of the debate from immoral and dangerous sexual behavior to sexual 'orientation.' Worst of all, many of our children are being exposed to homosexual propaganda in the classroom, where certain teachers promote all kinds of perversion under the guise of 'tolerance' and 'diversity.' And now, of course, we must contend with the abomination of homosexual 'marriage.'

It is yet another case of the 'good' (those who love the sinner, but hate the sin) versus the 'evil' (those who promote homosexuality as just another acceptable 'alternative' lifestyle).

These three 'battles,' and all of the other related 'battles' that comprise this war of all wars, share the same common denominator: the misuse of the conjugal act and the total disregard for the moral law. This has to stop, for while God's mercy is infinite, so is his justice.

Yet we must also remember the profound and hopeful invitation of Pope John Paul II: "Be not afraid!" Indeed, even though the purveyors of 'evil' currently have the upper hand, we know the advocates of the 'good' ultimately will prevail.

They always do.

(A version of this commentary originally appeared in 'The Wanderer' Catholic newspaper.)

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(Matt C. Abbott is the former executive director of the Illinois Right to Life Committee and the former director of public affairs for the Chicago-based Pro-Life Action League, respectively. He is also a contributor to Catholic.org, MichNews.com, Cruxnews.com, AmericanDaily.com, Renewamerica.us, NewsBull.com, ChristianNewsToday.com, Catholiccitizens.org, "The Wanderer" Catholic newspaper, TCRNews2.com, and CatholicExchange.com. He can be reached at mattcabbott@hotmail.com.)

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Keywords

abortion, contraception, homosexuality